Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Underrated Stars Sure to Produce

With only a few days remaining before Opening Day, fantasy baseball leagues are getting ready to crank up. As team owners begin looking for sleepers on their draft list, there are more than a few underrated stars that are sure to produce big numbers this season.

Looking at draft boards, here are five names that if given the chance may need to slide onto your roster.

Edwin Jackson – Pitcher, Washington Nationals

Edwin Jackson hasn’t been the best pitcher in his career, but he has been manageable from the mound. Jackson was recently picked up from free agency by the Washington Nationals, placing him into a very good situation.

While Jackson has never been a low ERA guy—he has never been below a 3.50 ERA—it is likely to change this season. The NL East is far from strong this year, giving Jackson an edge and you a pleasantly surprising addition to your fantasy league.

Putting Jackson in the third or fourth spot of the rotation should pay dividends this year.

Eduardo Nunez – Utility Infielder, New York Yankees

Nunez is consistently referenced as the heir apparent to Derek Jeter when the time comes for Jeter to retire, and last season he showed just how valuable he could be.

Nunez was decent from the plate with a .265 average, but where he will take the Yankees and your fantasy team to the next level is with his stolen bases. He swiped 22 bags a year ago in very limited action, and he will likely see his time increase this season with both Jeter and Alex Rodriguez taking more DH appearances than in years past.

Nunez won’t blow up your stat line, but he should prove to be a consistent contributor, and a steal in later rounds.

Paul Goldschmidt – First Base, Arizona Diamond Backs

Paul Goldschmidt is known for his power hitting, but also for his inconsistency. He will likely land in the 30 home run club by season's end, but his strikeouts will be a factor that will keep a lot of folks from pulling him on-board.

He didn’t impress with his batting average in 2011 either, managing a .250 average from the plate. Despite those flaws, this is a guy that skipped the Triple-A level of competition and hit the big leagues in 2011.

Goldschmidt was a stud for the Mobile Baybears when he played for the Double-A club before his call-up, leading me to the conclusion that he can replicate that success. With one year of big league competition under his belt, 2012 should be a much improved performance as he will get more comfortable and patient at the plate. Get this guy if you are looking for a solid sleeper from the bench.

A.J. Burnett – Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

A.J. Burnett was a stud during his mid-2000s stint with the Toronto Blue Jays. He held a remarkable 5-1 record against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, who traded off as the best teams in baseball during those years.

Then, Burnett landed in New York. There is no telling what happened, but the wheels came off for Burnett in the Big Apple. What that has done for you as a fantasy owner is lock Burnett to your buddy's “scared to draft” list.

Count your blessings as your buddy's unsure attitude is your late-round steal. Burnett returns to the National League and more importantly the NL Central. He will make a comeback. If you are looking for a later rotation starter to carry the edge in your league, Burnett is your guy.

Jesus Montero – Catcher, Seattle Mariners

Jesus Montero is a great addition to any fantasy team looking for a consistent, everyday type bat. Montero burst onto the scene as a backup for the Yankees a year ago, hitting for a .328 average in 18 games. He was quickly traded away to the Mariners this offseason despite the retirement of Jorge Posada.

The Mariners are set at catcher with Miguel Olivo and John Jaso on the roster, but Montero will be the DH for the Mariners at the very least. With his 12 RBI in 61 at-bats a year ago, he will be worth the bench slot in this draft.